67pc of Bangladeshis Suffer Vitamin D deficient

Staff Reporter :

A recent study by the National Institute of Public Health and Nutrition reveals that 67per cent of Bangladeshis suffer from vitamin D deficiency, with urban dwellers facing an alarming 71per cent rate.

This shortfall affects not just adults but also children and adolescents, far below normal levels.

Deficiency triggers irritability, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, fatigue, and depression. It heightens risks of sexual dysfunction, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Prof. Dr. Ravi Biswas from Bangladesh Children’s Hospital warns that newborns face rickets, while elders develop osteoporosis and bone loss.

The body needs 400 nutrient units of vitamin D daily, with 85-90per cent sourced from sunlight and the rest from food.

Dr. Asheq Mahfuz, portfolio lead at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, suggests fortifying edible oil like in neighboring India, since 87.5per cent of Bangladeshis use it.

The Industries Ministry has already initiated vitamin D enrichment in cooking oil.